While most variable frequency drives (VFD) use a built in DC choke or AC line reactor, some lower HP drives have no built-in impedance. Passive filters are an effective solution to filter harmonic currents produced by 6-pulse VFDs and reduce source current total harmonic distortion (THD) to 5% or less.

Industry standard three‐phase variable speed drives draw harmonic currents from the three phase voltage source. These harmonics can cause overheating and premature failure of power system equipment. An active filter is an effective way to filter the harmonic currents required by VFDs and eliminate the harmonic currents and voltages from the AC source.

Passive harmonic filters are an effective solution to filter harmonic currents. But choosing the correct filter for your application can be confusing. TCI can provide a wide range of filtering solutions and assist in choosing the right one. Find out more in our Tech Paper!

Active filtering solutions are being more commonly applied in wastewater plants. The elimination of the base linear motor loads has also highlighted the power quality of the UV systems – high harmonic currents and a low, leading power factor. One solution is to integrate active filtering into these systems, so they are do not adversely affect the overall IEEE-519 compliance of the plant.

High background voltage distortion can result in equipment malfunction and reduce the likelihood of meeting IEEE-519. Background distortion levels of 5% and higher are being seen at facilities from oil and gas pumping sites to industrial plants. It is critical to select the right harmonic mitigation approach under these harsh voltage conditions.

Many oil producers are using multi-well pad drilling as an alternative to single well sites as a way to save money and reduce environmental impacts. Unfortunately, with more wells there is an increase in harmonics, and more spikes in voltage distortion. This is presenting a problem for many multi-well pad drilling sites.

IEEE 519-2014 standard replaces the 1992 version. A number of key changes and differences exist between the two revisions, including clarification of how harmonic limits are applied at the point of common coupling, current THD limits at the PCC, and high frequency current allowance in low current distortion systems.

Power quality and power reliability are critical to data center operation. As strides have been made to improve energy efficiency and Power Utilization Effectiveness (PUE) it is important to ensure harmonics and power quality are not compromised as a result.